One of the finest books of the private press movement, this edition of "Troilus" represents an impressive combination of bookmaking materials, typography, illustration, and printing skill. As Cave & Manson says, the prospectus for this work invited a public to anticipate "'one of the most important productions of its kind since the days of the Kelmscott press.'" When the work appeared, "it showed this was a claim to be taken seriously. Gill produced some of his finest engravings for the book. The full-page illustrations showed his work at its best." The whimsical illustrated borders were the most widely discussed feature of the volume; the public was divided about them, as some thought them too naughty, but Gill and Gibbings were convinced of their value, and they were used again with great success in the Golden Cockerel "Canterbury Tales." Though the "Troilus" is generally considered to be the second most important book from the Press, its value is generally as high as any Golden Cockerel item, no doubt because it was issued in a very small press run--225 copies, as compared to 500 for the "Four Gospels," the magnum opus of the Press. The completed volume's modest print run sold out very quickly, and the "purchasers' pleasure was increased by seeing the book rapidly appreciate in value." (Cave & Manson) It has been a very popular book ever since.(ST12683-046a)